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Letty
In nineteenth-century Vienna, a young man wrongfully disinherited and a beautiful young woman running away to avoid an arranged marriage meet by chance and fall in love
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1980
64 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Clare Darcy
28 books57 followersBorn in Ohio.
Widely considered the best of those inspired by Georgette Heyer, Darcy wrote a number of regency romances with intelligent, sparkling heroines.
A pseudonym for Mary Deasy
Information for place of birth from the jacket of one of Ms Darcy's books
Widely considered the best of those inspired by Georgette Heyer, Darcy wrote a number of regency romances with intelligent, sparkling heroines.
A pseudonym for Mary Deasy
Information for place of birth from the jacket of one of Ms Darcy's books
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 4, 2019
As for most above average traditional regencies ‘Charming’ and ‘Delightful’ can be easily applied to this book. But unlike many old school regencies, it is also 'well-paced' as it doesn’t lag or drag at anytime. The description of Vienna in full swing at the time of the Congress, and the Very Important Personages there doesn't take more than 5-6 pages at most.
The many escapades of the very young and plucky orphan-Annie h keep us busy along with her from the moment she runs (while running away) into the broke but proud and sardonic H, fairly older than her 17 years. An elderly, wealthy gentleman, ‘The baron’ makes for the third in this musketeering trio and the plan is to go all the way to Vienna where all the wealthy and the important people are (at the time of the War Congress), to set up a ‘reputed’ gambling den and the ingenue h with her sweet and ‘silvery’ singing voice is to be used as a lure to draw the curious and the bored to their establishment. And the plan works - most successfully.
The h, easily and predictably, falls in love with the H, who although a reasonably charming man despite his bitterness but for the h, he saves all his impatience and disapproval. That doesn’t stop her from trying ‘to help’ (without being asked to or rather after being told to desist) sort out troubles from his past. So many exploits and capers follow.
The h does go stupid for a while over an om but it’s about hurt pride (because of the H) rather than anything else and thankfully the H rescues her at the crucial juncture.
Few other interesting characters join them in this endeavor as do some disreputable kind, and out and out villains enter the story. It’s the H’s past troubles that form the crux of most goings on as is his estrangement from his wealthy and influential great uncle, engineered by a villainous uncle. And the h, with all her youthful energy and passion, decides to play his savior and champion.
The ending is bit abrupt but then writers worked without those useful things - the epilogues - in those days.
The many escapades of the very young and plucky orphan-Annie h keep us busy along with her from the moment she runs (while running away) into the broke but proud and sardonic H, fairly older than her 17 years. An elderly, wealthy gentleman, ‘The baron’ makes for the third in this musketeering trio and the plan is to go all the way to Vienna where all the wealthy and the important people are (at the time of the War Congress), to set up a ‘reputed’ gambling den and the ingenue h with her sweet and ‘silvery’ singing voice is to be used as a lure to draw the curious and the bored to their establishment. And the plan works - most successfully.
The h, easily and predictably, falls in love with the H, who although a reasonably charming man despite his bitterness but for the h, he saves all his impatience and disapproval. That doesn’t stop her from trying ‘to help’ (without being asked to or rather after being told to desist) sort out troubles from his past. So many exploits and capers follow.
The h does go stupid for a while over an om but it’s about hurt pride (because of the H) rather than anything else and thankfully the H rescues her at the crucial juncture.
Few other interesting characters join them in this endeavor as do some disreputable kind, and out and out villains enter the story. It’s the H’s past troubles that form the crux of most goings on as is his estrangement from his wealthy and influential great uncle, engineered by a villainous uncle. And the h, with all her youthful energy and passion, decides to play his savior and champion.
The ending is bit abrupt but then writers worked without those useful things - the epilogues - in those days.
January 4, 2018
Letty is pure mischief -- think Audrey Hepburn meets Jane Austen!
Every time I pick this book up, I come away feeling that it's the perfect traditional Regency. The dialogue, Regency slang, and clothing are all so accurate and every scene seems to sparkle with elegance and fun. And yet when you look closely the plot is not really a Jane Austen plot, but closer to something like CASABLANCA!
The hero, Harry Tyne, is more like cynical Rick than stuffy Mr. Darcy. Just like Rick, he's been banished from his home country, only "the reasons are a little vague." Just like Rick, he's not only survived in exile but flourished, by starting up an exclusive sort of entertainment and gaming establishment for Europe's aristocratic elite in Vienna. Harry's whole personality, brooding, slightly rebellious, and enigmatic, is far more modern and sensual than you would expect, yet he's always fabulously attired and is the perfect friend and protector to our innocent heroine, Letty!
Letty enters Harry's life quite by chance, when she literally runs into him on the street. She's fleeing from an unwanted marriage to a repulsive character named Mr. Sludge. What makes Letty so endearing is not only her childlike innocence, but her spirit, enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and optimism. If Harry thinks he's in Casablanca, she's definitely having breakfast at Tiffany's! Letty is quick to fall in love with Harry, but she bitterly resents it when he treats her like a child and sticks her with a whole group of lovable chaperones, everyone from music teachers to wise old spinsters. Letty really wants to be with Harry, but her feelings are so innocent he's reluctant to make the first move. So then she really stirs things up by poking her nose into his past and trying to find out why he was banished in the first place!
It's amazing the amount of sexual tension you can have in a book where the hero and heroine never so much as kiss. Just watching the way Letty's temper steams up more and more every time Harry pushes her off into the care of her usual entourage really gets you in touch with her womanly feelings . . . and Harry's dark sex appeal is just so much more intense because he's as unattainable as the moon!
I wish I could write books like this. I wish there were still a market for books like this. I wish life could be a novel by Clare Darcy!
Every time I pick this book up, I come away feeling that it's the perfect traditional Regency. The dialogue, Regency slang, and clothing are all so accurate and every scene seems to sparkle with elegance and fun. And yet when you look closely the plot is not really a Jane Austen plot, but closer to something like CASABLANCA!
The hero, Harry Tyne, is more like cynical Rick than stuffy Mr. Darcy. Just like Rick, he's been banished from his home country, only "the reasons are a little vague." Just like Rick, he's not only survived in exile but flourished, by starting up an exclusive sort of entertainment and gaming establishment for Europe's aristocratic elite in Vienna. Harry's whole personality, brooding, slightly rebellious, and enigmatic, is far more modern and sensual than you would expect, yet he's always fabulously attired and is the perfect friend and protector to our innocent heroine, Letty!
Letty enters Harry's life quite by chance, when she literally runs into him on the street. She's fleeing from an unwanted marriage to a repulsive character named Mr. Sludge. What makes Letty so endearing is not only her childlike innocence, but her spirit, enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and optimism. If Harry thinks he's in Casablanca, she's definitely having breakfast at Tiffany's! Letty is quick to fall in love with Harry, but she bitterly resents it when he treats her like a child and sticks her with a whole group of lovable chaperones, everyone from music teachers to wise old spinsters. Letty really wants to be with Harry, but her feelings are so innocent he's reluctant to make the first move. So then she really stirs things up by poking her nose into his past and trying to find out why he was banished in the first place!
It's amazing the amount of sexual tension you can have in a book where the hero and heroine never so much as kiss. Just watching the way Letty's temper steams up more and more every time Harry pushes her off into the care of her usual entourage really gets you in touch with her womanly feelings . . . and Harry's dark sex appeal is just so much more intense because he's as unattainable as the moon!
I wish I could write books like this. I wish there were still a market for books like this. I wish life could be a novel by Clare Darcy!
December 9, 2022
A charming Regency romance. Good job, Mrs. Darcy!
New for me was that it took place (mostly) in Vienna, during the important Congress of Vienna. There was little of politics, as a matter of fact none (I admit I would like to read about it, perhaps I will find this in another book). Nonetheless, one could feel the atmosphere of the meetings, balls, parties when all those people who arrived at Congress spent their time. (However, I will still associate Vienna with beautiful The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson).
There were many enjoyable characters, The Baron, Sascha, Ninette. Together with Letty and Harry they created delightful air. I admit, I was not a fan of Letty, I liked much more Harry. I prefer a bit more mature/wise female main characters. For me Letty was a perfect second character, a younger sister and so on. Still, I really enjoyed the story.
I recommend a review of Carol Storm. She is right: If Harry thinks he's in Casablanca [like Rick from the movie], she's [Letty] definitely having breakfast at Tiffany's! [like Audrey Hepburn]
New for me was that it took place (mostly) in Vienna, during the important Congress of Vienna. There was little of politics, as a matter of fact none (I admit I would like to read about it, perhaps I will find this in another book). Nonetheless, one could feel the atmosphere of the meetings, balls, parties when all those people who arrived at Congress spent their time. (However, I will still associate Vienna with beautiful The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson).
There were many enjoyable characters, The Baron, Sascha, Ninette. Together with Letty and Harry they created delightful air. I admit, I was not a fan of Letty, I liked much more Harry. I prefer a bit more mature/wise female main characters. For me Letty was a perfect second character, a younger sister and so on. Still, I really enjoyed the story.
I recommend a review of Carol Storm. She is right: If Harry thinks he's in Casablanca [like Rick from the movie], she's [Letty] definitely having breakfast at Tiffany's! [like Audrey Hepburn]
September 30, 2010
Yep. A rake. A nice rake, an honest rake, a man who is a rake only with rake-worthy women, probably, but a rake, nonetheless.
I actually liked a fair number of the characters in this book, especially Sascha the voice and deportment coach, and Ninette Forel, the most famous courtesan in Vienna. The plot was not too boring and not at all taxing, so a nice little bit of escapist fluff. (And no puce gowns or turbans! There was a little bronze-green, though. I'm really not sure what color "bronze-green" is.)
Maybe it's just me, but my romantic hero is a man who respects the women he's dated before me, so the whole reformed-rake thing never works for me. We don't know anything, for example, about Mr Darcy's romantic past, so he may be a reformed rake himself, but since we don't know, we can decide for ourselves.
Also, I'm partial to a romance where the characters have some reason to fall in love and don't just wake up one day and realize they've fallen for so-and-so. (It's OK if they come to the realization suddenly, really it is, but there's got to be some basis for attraction besides hotness. Other people in the books are usually some level of hot as well.)
One more to go!
And what's with the gambling? How come it's honorable enough when one wins but not when one loses? It's irritating.
I actually liked a fair number of the characters in this book, especially Sascha the voice and deportment coach, and Ninette Forel, the most famous courtesan in Vienna. The plot was not too boring and not at all taxing, so a nice little bit of escapist fluff. (And no puce gowns or turbans! There was a little bronze-green, though. I'm really not sure what color "bronze-green" is.)
Maybe it's just me, but my romantic hero is a man who respects the women he's dated before me, so the whole reformed-rake thing never works for me. We don't know anything, for example, about Mr Darcy's romantic past, so he may be a reformed rake himself, but since we don't know, we can decide for ourselves.
Also, I'm partial to a romance where the characters have some reason to fall in love and don't just wake up one day and realize they've fallen for so-and-so. (It's OK if they come to the realization suddenly, really it is, but there's got to be some basis for attraction besides hotness. Other people in the books are usually some level of hot as well.)
One more to go!
And what's with the gambling? How come it's honorable enough when one wins but not when one loses? It's irritating.
September 6, 2012
When I reached the end of the book, I was a bit surprised to find that I had really enjoyed it, because there were so few romantic moments (or even hints of romantic notions) from the hero.
But honestly, Letty, the wonderful heroine, makes up for it tenfold. She's absolutely the best part of the book, and she's written so well that her tendency to be headstrong, spirited and dramatic only serves to endear her further to me (and the hero! presumably.) Often, a heroine with these sort of characteristics just comes off as annoying, but not Letty.
Don't get me wrong, the hero is awesome, too. Romance aside, he's well-developed and well-written, and the way he behaves is realistic and believable. I just wish that his growing attachment to Letty could have been explored more. There IS the one scene that describes, briefly, a softening of his face when he looks at her, which made me all squeal-y inside, (Its a great scene) and I just wish there had been more of that.
Otherwise, its a great book with a great plot (the hero's storyline is really well done,) and I'm off to pick up more Clare Darcy books based on this piece of good writing.
But honestly, Letty, the wonderful heroine, makes up for it tenfold. She's absolutely the best part of the book, and she's written so well that her tendency to be headstrong, spirited and dramatic only serves to endear her further to me (and the hero! presumably.) Often, a heroine with these sort of characteristics just comes off as annoying, but not Letty.
Don't get me wrong, the hero is awesome, too. Romance aside, he's well-developed and well-written, and the way he behaves is realistic and believable. I just wish that his growing attachment to Letty could have been explored more. There IS the one scene that describes, briefly, a softening of his face when he looks at her, which made me all squeal-y inside, (Its a great scene) and I just wish there had been more of that.
Otherwise, its a great book with a great plot (the hero's storyline is really well done,) and I'm off to pick up more Clare Darcy books based on this piece of good writing.
May 23, 2020
This is my third Clare Darcy in 24 hours; a triple-header, so to speak. Having ripped through three of them, I am ready to move on for a while. Darcy - and trad regencies in general - have a formula to them that they adapted from Georgette Heyer, but without her depth of characterization.
I'm sure that I will, eventually, read the whole lot of the digital editions, since they are free through the KU library. These are books for a rainy day, when I want nothing more demanding than a bit of froth.
This one does have some digitizing errors, including, occasionally and unfortunately, rendering the heroine's name, Letty, as Lefty, which is both hilarious and pulls me right out of the story.
I'm sure that I will, eventually, read the whole lot of the digital editions, since they are free through the KU library. These are books for a rainy day, when I want nothing more demanding than a bit of froth.
This one does have some digitizing errors, including, occasionally and unfortunately, rendering the heroine's name, Letty, as Lefty, which is both hilarious and pulls me right out of the story.
July 4, 2013
2 to 3 stars. This is a book I found while browsing at the library. I had a stack to rather serious books and I needed something light. Letty is a sweet character. I also liked a lot of the secondary characters. The hero was not to my liking. I don't think insults and neglect are signs of love. There is one I love you at the end along with a kiss, but I really didn't believe it. When I end a romance thinking the couple will not have a happy marriage, the author has failed.
October 3, 2024
A cute story. There was very little interaction between the hore and the heroine though. Writing style was more telling than showing and lacked immediacy. Old fashioned on the whole but of course it was written in 1980 I believe.
February 4, 2011
Obviously this is the best book ever written about a precocious heroine is is beautiful, graceful, intelligent, wise, cheerful, brave, and infinitely lovable.
September 24, 2012
quick and easy, an escapist read where you know its going to be a happy ending.
April 21, 2019
Harry Tyne has to make his own way in the world. When he encounters young Letty running from an unwanted marriage, he is certain he has found the golden songbird to help him. In Vienna, where royalty and world leaders have gathered, Letty may right an old wrong and find her way into Harry's heart.
This is a fun romp in the Regency era! Letty is a bright, naive young thing, and Harry is a worldly-wise man, bitter about his disgrace. They play off each other brilliantly, although there is little shown of why Harry falls in love with her.
The supporting characters are a delight as well, adding to the adventure of the story. There is one, a tiresome Lady who thinks she can win Harry was the only downside to the cast of characters. There is little in the way of politics of the time, but I don't mind.
A delightful read for any fan of Regency fiction!
This is a fun romp in the Regency era! Letty is a bright, naive young thing, and Harry is a worldly-wise man, bitter about his disgrace. They play off each other brilliantly, although there is little shown of why Harry falls in love with her.
The supporting characters are a delight as well, adding to the adventure of the story. There is one, a tiresome Lady who thinks she can win Harry was the only downside to the cast of characters. There is little in the way of politics of the time, but I don't mind.
A delightful read for any fan of Regency fiction!
November 8, 2018
2.5 stars.
Started off as a slow, rather boring read, but picked up and became enjoyable by the end. However, as with other Clare Darcy books, I did not like the hero and this spoiled the overall story for me.
Harry Tyne constantly snaps at and bullies Letty. He is dismissive, ungrateful, overbearing, rude, abrupt, and patronising. I don't understand why she fell in love with him. It is so hard to like a romance when you dislike one of the main characters so much and think the heroine could do much better for herself.
I haven't looked up the order that these books were published in, but I wonder if the ones with such unlikeable heroes were Darcy's earlier works before she became a more accomplished writer.
Not one of her best.
Started off as a slow, rather boring read, but picked up and became enjoyable by the end. However, as with other Clare Darcy books, I did not like the hero and this spoiled the overall story for me.
Harry Tyne constantly snaps at and bullies Letty. He is dismissive, ungrateful, overbearing, rude, abrupt, and patronising. I don't understand why she fell in love with him. It is so hard to like a romance when you dislike one of the main characters so much and think the heroine could do much better for herself.
I haven't looked up the order that these books were published in, but I wonder if the ones with such unlikeable heroes were Darcy's earlier works before she became a more accomplished writer.
Not one of her best.
September 11, 2021
In some ways Clare Darcy’s books feel like a parodies of the Historical Romance genre to me. It seems like she knew her plots and characters were over-the-top, and she just ran with it. This one is no different, and I actually really liked that about it. However, it was just a little bit too long and I wearied of it before the end.
December 6, 2024
A Regency romance in London and Vienna
The change of scene from the usual Regency backdrop of London and/or various country seats in England, made for interesting reading. It’s still a romance above all, but I enjoyed this new location - also well-researched.
The change of scene from the usual Regency backdrop of London and/or various country seats in England, made for interesting reading. It’s still a romance above all, but I enjoyed this new location - also well-researched.
June 14, 2020
Entertaining enough but the LI treats her like a child throughout and doesn't show the least bit of interest in her until the last pages.
November 17, 2020
Enjoyable story, but the Kindle Unlimited edition I read had way too many typos! I think the heroine was called Lefty more often than she was by her correct name, Letty.
September 30, 2021
Silly
I was disappointed in this book. I guess I was expecting Georgette Heyer quality, and this was just silly. Lydia, by this author, is amusing.
I was disappointed in this book. I guess I was expecting Georgette Heyer quality, and this was just silly. Lydia, by this author, is amusing.
July 24, 2022
A cute story -- not her best -- but an enjoyable re-read from my early teens that helped me through a long overnight flight. Free as part of Kindle unlimited.
October 11, 2023
Not great
This one wasn't a very good one. I still enjoy clare darcy's writing, but the plot and the characters in this weren't the best. Also, ridiculous amount of typos.
This one wasn't a very good one. I still enjoy clare darcy's writing, but the plot and the characters in this weren't the best. Also, ridiculous amount of typos.
September 4, 2025
Overall, an enjoyable read. However, the hero wasn't warm towards the heroine until at the abrupt ending. I wish he had been more forthcoming about his love for the heroine earlier.
December 12, 2025
5 stars for the FL who did give back as good as she got! And I just loved her manner of speaking. -2 stars for the ML and the "romance" aspect of the story.
April 24, 2020
A fun book. Clare Darcy has written quite a few of these Regency romances, but this one, Letty, is a little different.
Harry Tyne is more or less disowned by his great uncle, Lord Aubrey, due to an occurrence in the army involving marked cards. Penniless, he encounters Letty, a beautiful 17 year old girl running away from her family so she will not have to marry awful Mr Sludge. He hears her sing and at once decides to take off with her, and a close acquaintance, a wealthy German Baron, to Vienna, where he opens a gaming establishment, showing off Letty to the public. She becomes famous, a Count involves her in an abduction, there is a shooting, fighting, jealousy, etc. A very inventive story. I liked it a lot.
Harry Tyne is more or less disowned by his great uncle, Lord Aubrey, due to an occurrence in the army involving marked cards. Penniless, he encounters Letty, a beautiful 17 year old girl running away from her family so she will not have to marry awful Mr Sludge. He hears her sing and at once decides to take off with her, and a close acquaintance, a wealthy German Baron, to Vienna, where he opens a gaming establishment, showing off Letty to the public. She becomes famous, a Count involves her in an abduction, there is a shooting, fighting, jealousy, etc. A very inventive story. I liked it a lot.
October 10, 2015
A Georgette Heyer novel meets "The Three Musketeers." At least, this is how I would describe the feeling and flow of the book. The beginning was slow but definitely did pick up after Letty's debut in Vienna.
June 15, 2023
Regency set in Vienna, a first for me. I enjoyed this one a lot, despite spending most of the book wanting to slap the hero. It's nice to read a historical romance that actually feels historical (not really in terms of "accuracy" -- I'm no expert -- but in worldbuilding).
December 3, 2014
Another good read, but a little too far fetched. Not enough humor to make up for it, although it was nice to be taken out of England.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews